Zumwalt was a great man. I was serving when he became CNO and remember some of his Z-grams. Some of them left me a bit cold, at the time, but have had, what I consider, a significant and positive effect on the terms and conditions of military service, upon reflection. I didn’t get it then, but I sure as hell get it now.

He was one of those “fundamental” CNOs. Even though I’m an Army puke, I think honoring him with a ship class is good. He deserves it. RIP Elmo Russell. You are remembered.

Unfortunately the class was downsized and I believe they are building three. I would love to know more about the gun on it. Seems like a modern pocket battleship of sorts with a range to support ground ops from further than Short ranged SSM can operate.

what is the Navy going to do with that ship class? Launching some cruise missiles? Everytime I see the cost of ships I wonder if a couple of aircraft couldn't do the same perhaps better and far cheaper. Of course you need a ship to carry those aircraft around the world but what about this destroyer?

what is the Navy going to do with that ship class? Launching some cruise missiles? Everytime I see the cost of ships I wonder if a couple of aircraft couldn't do the same perhaps better and far cheaper. Of course you need a ship to carry those aircraft around the world but what about this destroyer?

The original use for the class was to be a "land attack destroyer". While planes are more economical that missiles, the loss of pilots terrify politicians , who want a "bloodless strike" (at least on their side). Missiles can't be taken prisoner or hostage (nor drones, hence their popularity). Instead these ships will be used more for "advanced prototype research". They have the largest electrical generation capability of any ship their size so they are intended to receive some form of electromagnetic weapon in the future , rather it be laser or rail-gun has not yet been made public. Maybe both. They have done a similar role for the Seawolf class submarines, also cut down to just 3. Whatever they do with the Zumwalt. I'm certain in will be interesting.